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Call by the Sea
147
first thing that all who want to become workers with God need to
learn is the lesson of self-distrust. Then they are prepared to receive
the character of Christ. This does not come through education in
scientific schools.
How True Servants Are Educated
Jesus chose unschooled fishermen because they had not been
trained in the faulty customs of their time. They were men of natural
ability, and they were humble and teachable. In the common walks
of life, many people are patiently going about their daily work,
unconscious that they possess powers that, if called into action,
would raise them to equality with the world’s most honored leaders.
They need the touch of a skillful hand to awaken those dormant
abilities. This is the kind of men Jesus called to be His colaborers.
When the disciples emerged from the Savior’s training, they had
become like Him in mind and character.
Education’s highest work is to infuse that vitalizing energy that
comes through the contact of mind with mind and heart with heart.
Only life can create life. What a privilege, then, the disciples had
for three years to be in daily contact with that divine life! John the
disciple said, “Of His fullness we have all received, and grace for
grace.”
John 1:16
. The lives of these men, the characters they devel-
oped, and the mighty work God did through them are a testimony
to what God will do for all who are teachable and obedient. There
is no limit to the usefulness of those who will put self aside, make
room for the working of the Holy Spirit on their hearts, and live a
life completely consecrated to God. If we will accept the necessary
discipline, God will teach us hour by hour. He takes people as they
are and educates them for His service, if they will yield themselves
to Him. The Spirit of God, received into the heart, will energize
all its powers. The mind that we devote entirely to God develops
harmoniously and receives strength to comprehend and fulfill His
requirements. The weak character becomes strong and steady.
Constant devotion establishes so close a relationship between
Jesus and His followers that Christians become like Him in mind
and character. They will have clearer and broader views, their un-
derstanding will be sharper, their judgment better balanced. They
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